Chat: Jayne and learning issues

January 5, 2006

Now you are into my area of expertise. I'm a special ed teacher in

New Jersey and have been in this field for 25 years. (YIKES!!!!)

There are a number of kids with RSS who have a range of learning

disabilities or learning issues. Some are definitely cognitively

impaired, but they are few and far between. There are a lot who are

in the PDD range: Pervasive Developmental Delay/Disability. It is

a non-specific diagnosis that indicates there is some sort of

learning problem going on, accompanied by behavior and/or

personality issues, but it is very broad. Some literature refers to

this as the precuror to autism, but don't let that scare you. Lots

of literature and experience tells me that this is not so. My own

son has PDD-like tendencies and he is not autistic.

No one knows exactly why this occurs in our RSS kids, but the theory

is that it is from undiagnosed hypoglycemia early in life.

Remember, our kids have large heads and tiny bodies and they don't

like to eat. That affects the brain. Are we talking not able to

function in school? NO WAY!!!!! It just means that they have

learning issues and differences that must be addressed.

There are many people with RSS who have no issues, go on to

adulthood and are doing well. Hillary is in law school. Some are

married. Some have good, well-paying jobs.

There is no guarantee that our children will or won't have learning

problems. All we can do is the best we can. Get them early

intervention services, keep them stimulated, keep an eye on them.

Know that they are at risk and do what we can for them.

If you ever have questions, please let me know. Max is 17 and he

does have his issues, but he is a great kid. We have kept a careful

eye on his education and will continue to do so. I could write

reams on him in this area.

Jodi Z

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